Cornerstone 260B

1/4 m Monochromator

The Oriel Cornerstone 260B is a high performance, economical, and user-

friendly monochromator - an ideal instrument for research applications and
production environments, where speed and reliability are essential. Oriel has
made it easy to select the right monochromator, based on the application,
with a wide selection of diffraction gratings covering a broad spectral
range, as well as several input and output port configurations for test setup
flexibility.

The Oriel CS260B is based on the same Czerny-Turner optical design as

its predecessor to ensure high resolution while minimizing stray light and
optical aberrations. This is the replacement model with updated looks and
functionality. The cast aluminum base is forged from a single block for
maximum rigidity and reproducibility.
Industry-leading wavelength accuracy and scan speed, as well as easy
integration with our advanced light source systems. Optical height has been
maintained from the previous design to facilitate replacement in test setups.
Optional TracQ BASIC software is available to control the monochromator
remotely, while measuring and analyzing a complete light source system.
Product Features
• Faster scan speeds, greater accuracy and precision, and
improved communications over its predecessor
• Micrometer-adjustable slit option
• Included with utility software for ease of control
• Broad spectral range covered by dual or quad grating options
• Maximize experimental design flexibility with single or dual
output port options
Cornerstone 260B
1/4 m Monochromator

Slits
To operate any monochromator, slits are required at the input and output
ports. The slits offered with the Cornerstone 260B all have 1.5 inch male
flanges, allowing them to be easily connected to the wide variety of Oriel
accessories and instruments.

The resolution of the monochromator is related to the grating dispersion - a

function of the grating design - and the slit width. Resolution at the blaze
wavelength of the grating is calculated to be the reciprocal dispersion
multiplied by the slit width.

Available pre-configurations of the CS260B include micrometer adjustable

slits installed on each port.

A micrometer adjustable slit assembly is continuously variable from fully

closed to 3 mm width. The narrowest achievable width is 4 μm. A height
adjustment slide allows variation in the height from 2 to 12 mm. Benefits
of the micrometer adjustable slits are flexibility and high throughput. Please
note that the optimum spectral resolution for any monochromator is
obtained with short, narrow slits. This type of slit is designed primarily for
versatility and convenience in changing resolution and throughput.

Single or Dual Output Ports

The Cornerstone 260B is available in either a single or dual output port
configuration. A single output port is the most economical choice, and the
simplest arrangement when using a single experimental set up.

If more than one setup is required for the application, such as measuring
the output power of the monochromator with a monitor detector, the dual
output port may be a better choice. Two output ports allow continuous
scanning over a broad wavelength range without needing to break down
the setup. A flip mirror inside the monochromator is used to select the
output port. This mirror is controlled through the monochromator software,
low level commands, or the optional hand controller. Please note that with
dual output port instruments, an unused port left uncoupled can become a
source of stray light entering in the monochromator.
Cornerstone 260B
1/4 m Monochromator

By using Oriel’s Model 77765 Motorized Beam Steerer, the Cornerstone 260B can be
transformed into a dual input monochromator. With the Motorized Beam Steerer installed before the
monochromator’s input port, there is no need to break down the setup to install, align and warm up
a second light source. One of two different light sources may be selected with the flip of a switch.

Software Interfaces
TM
A LabVIEW -based utility application is included at no extra cost with all Cornerstone
models to control both the monochromator and filter wheel accessory. The utility software
®
provided with the monochromator includes drivers for Windows 10 and Mac OS
operating systems. The software can control the instrument through a USB 2.0 or RS232
connection.

Oriel’s optional TracQ BASIC data acquisition and radiometry software is a complete
instrument control and measurement package that includes data acquisition and
processing. TracQ BASIC allows users to acquire spectroscopic measurement data quickly
and easily, without requiring any programming knowledge. TracQ BASIC is true radiometry
software, which enables users to acquire basic voltage measurement or use the built-in
algorithms for spectroscopic measurements.

TracQ BASIC integrated Oriel monochromators with various detection instruments, such as
Newport Optical Power Meters or the Lock-In Digital Amplifier LIDA-SRS-KITs. Software
prompts guide users through the measurement process. Instruments are controlled and
scan parameters are set up through simple, intuitive dialog boxes. Data acquisition and
processing occurs in real time.

An intuitive command set is provided for those who wish to create their own programming.
A list of commands is provided in the user’s manual included with the monochromator.
Commands are simple to use. The Oriel MonoTERM utility is also provided for sending

Communication Methods
All CS260B models are configured with both RS232 and USB 2.0 computer interfaces. All USB 2.0
A/B cable (Model 70044) and RS232 cable (Model 70040) are included with each unit. For those
who desire the simplicity of GPIB or RS232 communication but only have USB ports available, a
number of GPIB / USB and RS232 / USB converter cables are commercially available.

All models include a connector to utilize the optional Model 74009 Monochromator Hand Controller.
With this accessory, there is no need to install software or use a computer. This dedicated interface
is designed specifically for use with Oriel’s Cornerstone series monochromators. There is no need
to memorize commands or key sequences because the keys are clearly labeled with functions like
“Shutter”, “Go Wave” and “Filter”. The display provides information on the grating selection, line
density, active filter position, current wavelength and shutter status. Using the Hand Controller is
intuitive and provides access to nearly all the functionality of the instrument.
Cornerstone 260B: Specifications
1/4 m Monochromator

CS260B
Focal Length >260 mm
F/# F / 3.9
Wavelength Selection Method Precision motorized rotation stage
Spectral Range 250 to 2500 nm, grating dependent
Spectral Bandwidth Grating and slit width dependent
1
Wavelength Accuracy +0.50 nm
1
Wavelength Step Resolution +0.0754 nm
Stray Light 0.01%2
Input Ports 1
Output Ports Axial (all models) and Lateral (dual port models with motorized flip mirror)
Shutter Control Software, Hand Controller, low-level commands
External Shutter Control BNC connector; normally closed shutter opens when BNC is shorted
Shutter Minimum Exposure Time 0.3 s3
Shutter Maximum Repetition Rate 2.0 Hz4
Motorized Filter Wheel USFW - 100
Utility Software Requirements Windows 10 and MAC OS-x compatible
TracQ BASIC Software Compatible Yes
74009 Hand Controller Compatible Yes

Power Requirements 100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz

Weight 21 lbs.; 9.5 kg
Scan Speed 24 nm / s at 10 nm step rate1; 180 nm / s for a single step1
Computer Interface USB (Type B), RS232 (DB9)
Grating Size 50 mm
Optical Axis Height 3.52”; 89.4 mm
Operating Temperature 25.0 +/- 3.0oC
Storage Temperature -40 to +70oC, non-condensing
Humidity <85% relative humidity, non-condensing

1. Using a 1200 Groove / mm grating measured near blaze wavelength of 400 nm.
2. Measured by comparing the peak throughput of a HeNe laser source at 632.8nm to +2nm off peak at 0.5nm spectral
bandwidth using 1200 lines/mm grating blazed at 500nm.
3. Exposure time measured from closed to open to closed shutter.
4. Using the mechanical shutter as a beam chopper will reduce the lifetime of the shutter and it is not commonly used
for this purpose.

CS260B-1-MC-D CS260B-2-MC-A CS260B-3-MC-D CS260B-Q-MC-D

Product Description UV-NIR High Resolution, Quad Grating, UV-NIR High Resolution, Dual Grating, VIS-NIR Extended Range, Dual Grating, UV-SWIR Extended Range, Quad Grating,
Dual Output Mics Axial Output Mics Dual Output Mics Dual Output Mics
Blaze Wavelength (nm) 250, 500, 750, 1000 500, 750 400, 1000 400, 650, 1000, 1850
Grating Line Density 1200 L / mm 1200 L / mm 600 L / mm 600 L / mm
Number of Ports 3 2 3 3
Wavelength Range (nm) 250 - 1300 250 - 1200 250 - 1825 250 - 2500
Wavelength Accuracy +0.50 nm +0.50 nm +1.0 nm +1.0 nm
Wavelength Precision (Step Resolution) +0.075 nm +0.075 nm +0.15 nm +0.15 nm
Number of Gratings Supported 4 2 2 4
Reciprocal Dispersions (nm / mm) 3.56 3.43 7.16 7.16
3.43 3.22 6.86 7.07
3.22 6.86
2.98 6.10
Cornerstone 260B
1/4 m Monochromator

All grating efficiency curves are relative (not absolute) calculations and should only be used as a guide to approximate actual instrument performance.
 Cornerstone 260B: Ordering Information
CS260B-1-MC-D
1/4 m Monochromator, UV-NIR High Resolution Quad Grating, Micrometer Slits, Dual Output

CS260B-2-MC-A
1/4 m Monochromator, UV-NIR High Resolution Dual Grating, Micrometer Slits, Dual Output

CS260B-3-MC-D
1/4 m Monochromator, VIS-NIR Extended Range Dual Grating, Micrometer Slits, Dual Output

CS260B-Q-MC-D
1/4 m Monochromator, UV-SWIR Extended Range Quad Grating, Micrometer Slits, Dual Output

74009 Monochromator Hand Controller

USFW-100 Universal Filter Wheel
CBL-CSMS-FW Filter Wheel Cable
TRACQ-BASIC TracQ Basic Data Acquisition Software
74104B CS260B Mounting Kit
74105B CS260B Mounting Plate

Cornerstone 260B
Dimensions

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